Fibrous glass laminations



April 7, 1959 B. sHwAYDER 2,880,473

FIBROUS GLASS LAMINATIONS l2 n l2 INVENTOR. FIG. 6 BEN sHwAYol-:R

Aorney April 7, 1959 B. SHWAYDER 2,880,473

FIBROUS GLASS LAMINATIONS Filed July 16. 1954 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 '6) lsfus 'r' f J j \.$`YP..7, s

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BEN SHWAYnDER BY BAMMQYQQN Attorney United States Patent FIBROUS GLASSLAMINATIONS Ben Shwayder, Detroit, Mich., assignor to Shwayder Bros.,Inc., Detroit, Mich.

Application July 16, 1954, Serial N0. 443,908

3 Claims. (Cl. 20-15) This invention relates to fibrous glasslaminations and more particularly to a lamination consisting of aninterior layer of fibrous material to which is permanently bonded a thinsheet of fibrous glass.

Fibrous glass, a material well known in the arts, consists of thin,generally exibie strands of glass. From these strands sheets of materialmay be fabricated, for example, by weaving in the manner that cloth ismade in the textile industry, or by a process analogous to paper makingor felting. In the latter process, the fibrous glass strands are choppedinto short lengths and then these short strands are superposed upon oneanother and subjected to heat and pressure to form a sheet material.

Numerous commercial objects are manufactured from fibrous glass andfibrous glass sheet material. This material can be so formed as to haverelatively high strength characteristics and to be impervious to liquidssuch as water, etc. However, the primary `disadvantage in the use offibrous glass is the high cost of this material when compared to mostmetals and many synthetic plastic materials. In addition, unless anextremely thick sheet of fibrous glass is used, the sheet bends quiteeasily under light pressure.

Thus, it is an object of my invention to provide a fibrous glasssheeting or lamination which is relatively cheap and which has a highresistance to bending when presented in its commercial forms. Toaccomplish this result, I use a lamination comprising a cheap and stronginterior layer and a thin outer layer of fibrous glass permanentlybonded to said interior layer.

Another object of my invention is to provide a fibrous glass laminationformed from one or more inner layers of an inexpensive fibrous materialsuch as Masonite, kraft paper, or other heavy paper with a thin layer offibrous glass covering the surfaces of the inner layer and bonded tosaid inner layer.

A further object of my invention is to provide a lamination of an innerlayer of fibrous material and an outer layer of fibrous glass in whichthe surface fibers of both layers are permanently bonded together toyield a construction having greater strength than either of the layersseparately, a high resistance to bending and being water impervious.

Yet another object of my invention is to provide a lamination of aninner layer of relatively inexpensive material with a thin outer layerof fibrous glass bonded thereto whereby the moisture content of theinner layer is kept constant due to the water impervious fiberglasthereby eliminating expansion, contraction and warping from humiditychanges.

An additional object of my invention is to provide a laminationconsisting of an inner layer within which is laminated a wire mesh or aplurality of reinforcing bars with the surfaces of said inner layerbeing covered by a thin layer of fibrous glass bonded thereto.

A further object of my invention is to provide a lamination of arelatively thick inner layer having hollow ICC portions or trunnelsextending therethrough and an outer layer of a thin sheet of fibrousglass bonded to said inner layer. In this manner a relatively thickcomposite structure is produced, which structure is highly resistant tobending.

Also, it is an object of my invention to provide a lamination consistingof an inner layer having a plurality of reinforcing bars of suitablecross-sectional configuration lying transversely upon one or both of thesurfaces of said layer, with a thin outer layer of fibrous glass covering both the bars and the inner layer and being bonded to the surfacearea of the inner layer which are exposed between said bars.

Still a further object of my invention is to provide a double panelconstruction formed of a pair of laminations, each lamination consistingof a somewhat flexible inner layer having spaced parallel tubes lying onone surface thereof with a thin outer layer of fibrous glass coveringthe tubes and bonded to the surfaces of said inner layer; the twolaminations being interconnected and frictionally retained together bypressing the tubes of one lamination into the spaces between the tubesof the other lamination.

In addition, it is an object of my invention to provide a pipe formed ofan inner tube the surfaces of which are covered by a thin layer offibrous glass bonded to the inner layer, and further including, wheredesirable, a plurality of reinforcing bars placed upon the tube outsideor inside surface which bars are also covered by the fibrous glass outerlayer.

These and other objects of my invention will become apparent uponreading the following description of which the attached drawings form apart.

Referring to the drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a cross section View of a lamination having an inner layerto which is bonded a thin outer layer of fibrous glass.

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view similar to Figure 1, but in which ahole or slot has been cut.

Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional View of a lamination having a metallicmesh enclosed within the inner layer.

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional View of a lamination having a plurality ofspaced tubes included within the inner layer.

Figure 5 is a View taken on line 5-5 of Figure 4 and illustrates the useof tapered tubes within the inner layer.

Figures 6-8 show cross-sections of panels having L- shaped, V-shaped,and tubular reinforcing bars respectively upon the surface of the innerlayer.

Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of a double panel construction. eachof the panels being constructed in a manner similar to that shown inFigure 8.

Figures 10 and 11 each illustrate a pipe formed of an inner tube towhich is bonded a thin layer of fibrous glass. In Figure l0, reinforcingbars are positioned on the outer surface of the tube and in Figure 11 onthe inner surface.

Figure 12 illustrates the method of assembling the double panel ofFigure 9.

Figure `13 shows a front view of one of the panels forming the doublepanel construction of Figure 9.

Figure 14 illustrates a modification similar to that shown in Figure 5,however here the tapered tubes are removable to form a hollowed panelstructure.

Figure 15 shows the tapered tubes being removed from the panel of Figure15, and

Figure 16 is an end view taken in the direction of arrow 17 of Figure15.

The basic lamination of my invention comprises an inner layer to whichis bonded a thin layer of fibrous glass. The inner layer may be somerelatively hard rigid mate rial such as that which is commonly known asMasonite,

or it may be formed of heavy cardboard, kraft paper or other heavy paperor some other such suitable material. In order to meet the desiredthickness and rigidity requirements the inner layer may be formed ofmore than one lamina, with each of the lamina being laminated togetherwith a suitable adhesive, or some other suitable fastening means such asstaples, rivets, grommets, or the like.

Thus, in Figure 1, I show an inner layer formed of two laminae 1 and 2which are secured together by a coating of a-dhesive 3. A thin layer offibrous glass 4 is bonded to the inner layer, preferably under heat andpressure. By this means the fibers of the two contiguous surfaces jointogether and form a permanent connection. The fibrous glass sheetcompletely surrounds the inner layer.

Since the fibrous glass layer is water impervious, the moisture contentof the inner layer remains constant. Consequently, changes in outsidehumidity have no effect upon the lamination and the lamination will notwarp or expand or contract due to these changes.

It should be understood, however, that there are times when it may notbe desirable to coat the ends of the inner layer with the fibrous glass.This may be particularly true where it is desired to abut two or morepanels in end to end relationship and then seal the joints.

In Figure 2, the inner layer 5 is provided with a slot or hole 6. Thefibrous glass outer layer 7 is then bonded not only to the outersurfaces of the inner layer but also coats the sides of the slot orhole. These holes with their fibrous glass coatings may be provided forvarious construction purposes. In addition, where the inner layercomprises more than one lamina, the fibrous glass Within the hole helpsto seal the laminae against movement relative to one another.

Where desired, a grommet may be inserted into hole 6, to act as a meansinto which a screw may be threaded and supported. Further, where theinner layer of the panels is formed of two or more laminae, this holeo-r slot may be provided in only one of such laminae, such as one of theoutermost laminae, whereby a headed fastening means such as a screw, orthe like, may be held in said opening with the head of the fasteningmeans clamped between the lamina which is provided with the hole and thenext adjacent lamina. This modification is not illustrated 'since it isbelieved that the structure thereof is apparent from the views ofFigures l and 2.

Referring next to Figure 3, there is illustrated a lamination similar toFigure l. However, a wire mesh 8 is provided between the two innerlaminae and the laminae and mesh may be held together by some suitableadhesive.

The laminations described above have a strength much greater than thestrength of either of the layers taken separately. This is due, to alarge degree, to the interconnecting by heat and pressure of the surfacefibers of each of the layers. Moreover, the panel is highly resistant tobending because o-f the thick skin of fibrous glass which acts to resistthe tension -of bending forces upon the panel.

At times, it may be desirable to form the inner layer of some materialwhich is not fibrous. An example of this may be sheet steel. In such acase, where the inner layer is not fibrous, it i-s desirable to roughenthe surface of the inner layer as by scratching or the like whereby theglass fibers will adhere to and permanently bond to the inner layersurfaces under the application of suitable heat and pressure.

Next, in Figure 4, where extremely high strength is desired, reinforcingbars may be located within the inner layer. In the illustration, tubes 9which may be formed of aluminum are shown.

To form the inner layer 10 the tubes 9 may be surrounded with strands ofglass fibers 11, with limp glass fibers woven fabric, or with some othersuitable fabric. If desired this combination of Wrapped tubing may havea sheet of cardboard or the like placed upon either or both outersurfaces (not shown). Moreover, the inner layer may be formed of a morerigid material, such as Masonite,

or cardboard having hollowed out portions within which the tubes may beinserted.

In Figure 5, the tubes 9a are shown as being tapered. Here the tubes arestaggered so that the small end of one tube lies between the large endof the tubes on either side thereof. The degree of taper is exaggeratedin the drawing to make a clearer illustration. These tapered tubes maybe used to increase the strength of the lamination, otherwise straighttubes may be used where desired.

Where large, rigid panels are required, bars or ribs may be placedtransversely upon one or both surfaces of the inner layer. Thus, inFigure 6, L-shaped bars 12 are placed upon the inner layer 13 surfacewith one leg of the bar in Contact with the inner layer. In Figure 7,V-shaped bars 14 are used and in Figure 8 tubes 15 are shown. The tubesof Figure 8 may be flattened slightly to make a better contact with theinner layer or may be cylindrical.

The thin fibrous glass outer layer 16 is placed in complete contact withthe outer surfaces of the reinforcement bars and is bonded directly tothe inner layer in all areas not covered by the bars.

Next, referring to Figure 9, a double panel construction may be formedby using a pair of laminations as shown in Figure 8.

In this case, the tubes 18 of lamination 19 are positioned parallel toone another and are spaced apart a distance which is slightly less thanthe diameter of a tube plus the fibrous glass covering of said tube. Thetubes 20 of the lamination 21 are likewise so positioned.

The two laminations may then be interconnected by pressing them togetherso that the tubes of one lamination are forced between the tubes of thesecond lamination. By pressing the two laminations tightly towards eachother the center points of the tubes of one pass the center points ofthe tubes of the other and the tubes form a slight depression in thesurface of the opposite lamination. Thus, since these tubes are slightlybeyond the center points of one another, the inherent resiliency of thetubes lock them together to prevent withdrawal.

As shown in Figure l2, the two laminations 18 and 19 may be made ofsomewhat flexible material. In that case each of the laminations arebent (this bending is exaggerated in Figure l2 for purposes ofclarification) and the tubes are successively interconnected.Consequently, the action of joining the two laminations is analogous tothe action that takes place in a conventional zippen In this manneradouble panel is formed which has a high degree of strength and yet whichresults in a finished surface on each side thereof.

In Figures 10 and ll, I illustrate pipes made in accordance with myinvention. Here a tube 22, which may be formed of cardboard or heavypaper or other suitable material, is coated with a thin layer of fibrousglass on the outside surface 23 and on the inside surface 24. T hisresults in a relatively strong pipe which is impervious to liquids.Moreover, since fibrous glass is resistant to many types of corrosiveliquids, this type pipe would be ideal for use in various chemicalmanufacturing operations.

In addition, the pipe may be made extremely rigid by placing reinforcingbars 25 on the outside surface of the inner tube beneath the fibrousglass layer, as shown in Figure 10.

Where it is desired to have not only a rigidk tube, but one in whichfluid turbulence is reduced, the reinforcing ribs 26 may be placed onthe inside surface of the inner tube 22, as illustrated in Figure 11.Here the ribs act as guide vanes for the uid flowing through the tube.

Lastly, Figures 14 and 15 are directed to a modification wherein theinner lamina is made relatively thick and yet is hollowed out to achieveboth light weight and a reduction in cost.

This hollowing effect may be achieved by the use of tapered tubes 109,similar to that shown in Figure 4.

which tubes extend through the width of the panel 112. To form thisstructure, the tubes are surrounded with the material from which theinner layer 110 is to be constructed. Then the fibrous glass layer 111is bonded to said inner layer with openings formed at the ends of tubes109. Thereafter, the tubes are withdrawn as indicated by the arrowsshown in Figure 15.

The result, of withdrawing these tubes, is a series of tapered tunnels113 and 114 extending through the width of the panel 112.

This same effect could be obtained by the utilization of tapered bars ofany suitable cross-sectional conguration. It can be seen that thesetubes or bars function to provide a solid inner layer to which therequired bonding pressure can be applied and also to act as a heatconducting means to distribute the heat of bonding the outer layer tothe inner layer throughout the panel.

Of course, the inner layer may be likewise hollowed out by the use oftwo or more inner laminae with one or more of these laminae havinghollow portions pre-formed therein. Assembly of these laminae wouldresult in a hollowed out inner layer. However, the use of tapered tubesor bars, described above, is desirable since then the structure is morecapable of withstanding the pressures required for fastening the innerand outer layers together.

My invention may be further developed within the scope of the followingclaims without departing from the essential features of the saidinvention. Accordingly, it is desired that the specification anddrawings be read as being merely illustrative of practical embodimentsof the same and not in a strictly limiting sense.

I claim:

1. A rigid, structural panel construction comprising two substantiallyrigid panels frictionally interlocked in face to face relationship toform a double panel; each of the two panels being formed of a large,substantially rigid sheet; a large number of identical, substantiallycylindrical in cross-section, thin-wall, hollow tubes arranged acrossone face of each of the sheets, the entire length of each of the tubesbeing in contact with and permanently secured to the face of itsrespective sheet, thus rigidifying and reenforcing the sheets; all ofthe tubes being parallel with one another; each pair of adjacent tubeson each sheet being spaced apart a distance which is slightly less thanthe distance required for a single tube of the opposite sheet to passfreely between the spaced pair of tubes; each tube being substantiallyrigid, but the walls thereof being inherently resilient; the two panelsbeing arranged in face to face, closely spaced, relationship, with eachof the tubes of one sheet being inserted between a pair of adjacenttubes of the other sheet, in continuous line contact with the face ofsaid other sheet, past the line of the shortest distance between thepair of tubes, the tubes of said one sheet being inserted andfrictionally held between the pairs of tubes of the other sheet due tothe inherent resiliency of the tube walls which resiliently yield forpassage of the tubes of one sheet past the tubes of the other sheet uponforcing the panels towards each other face to face and which return totheir original shape to prevent retraction of the respective tubes,thereby interlocking the two panels.

2. A construction as defined in claim l, and wherein the means forpermanently securing the tubes to their respective sheets consists of athin continuous, layer of sheet material permanently secured to all theexposed portions of each sheet between the tubes on that sheet andsurrounding and being permanetly secured to all the exposed portions ofthe tubes on that sheet.

3. A rigid, structural panel construction comprising two substantiallyrigid panels frictionally interlocked in face to face relationship toform a double panel; each of the two panels being formed of a large,substantially rigid sheet; a large number of identical tubes arrangedacross one face of each of the sheets, the entire length of each tubebeing in contact with and permanently secured to its respective sheet,the tubes all being parallel with one another, each adjacent pair oftubes on each sheet being spaced apart, along a single plane parallel toand spaced a short distance in front of its respective sheet face, adistance which is slightly less than that required for a tube of theother sheet to pass freely therebetween, but the distances between thetubes in planes closer to and further away from their respective sheetbeing greater than the first mentioned tube spacing distance; each tubebeing substantially rigid, but the outer surfaces thereof beinginherently resilient; the two sheets being held in closely spaced, faceto face relationship, with each of the tubes of one sheet being insertedand frictionally held between an adjacent pair of tubes of the othersheet, in line contact with the face of the other sheet, past theshortest distance between the pair of tubes, due to the inherentresiliency of the tube surfaces which resiliently yield for passage ofthe tubes when the two sheets are forced together face to face and whichresiliently return to their original shapes to frictionally grip eachother.

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